Environment Report 2016

• Overall, the mass of chemicals accidentally released has fallen by more than 400 tonnes or 65 per cent over the last six years (2010 to 2015). The number of incidents has remained relatively stable, increasing from 162 to 167. This would suggest that accidental releases are generally smaller in size than in previous years. • Sixty-six per cent (around 148 tonnes) of all accidental chemical releases on the UKCS last year fell into the low and PLONOR hazard categories. Seven incidents accounting for 20 per cent (nearly 46 tonnes) of total mass fell into the high hazard category. Chemicals in this category were predominantly composed of water with 0.36 tonnes of high hazard chemical. Such small amounts disperse quickly in the marine environment. • Between 2010 and 2015, production systems and related equipment contributed the majority (1,132 tonnes, 454 releases) of all accidental chemical releases, with hydraulic and subsea systems accounting for 596 tonnes (278 releases) and 517 tonnes (205 releases), respectively. Together, these three categories account for over 76 per cent of accidental releases by mass over the past six years. • In 2015, however, subsea system and hydraulic system releases contributed the most to the chemicals released by mass, with production systems contributing relatively little. It is notable, however, that production systems had the largest number of releases at 87. Significant Activities • The Health, Safety and Environment Team at Oil & Gas UK helps members manage the regulatory pressures emerging from governments that affect the licence to operate. As part of this work, in 2016, Oil & Gas UK co-ordinated responses to seven consultations relating to the marine environment on behalf of its members. • Oil & Gas UK works with members and other stakeholders to generate tools and guidelines to support good industry environmental performance. This year, the association has worked with members of the Oil Spill Response Forum on three new tools: maps of coastal habitat, flora and fauna sensitive to oil spills; updates to the Seabird Oil Sensitivity Index ; and improving understanding of the UK’s capability to monitor an accidental release.

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